GKPE, Taupo Jousting!

[Moppie]

A bit of an odd one this, and it requires some travel.

There is a Jousting tournament in Taupo over Waitangi weekend, thats the 4th and 5th of February.

Ill be heading down with Amanda and some friends to watch and staying at a camp ground in Rotorua or Taupo.
You are of course all welcome to join us, it will be cheap accomdation, about $15-20 per person a night.

There is of course lots else to see and do around there, the scenery of course is fantastic.

Anyone interested in an alternative trip?
The camp ground in Rotorua is very family friendly, and if we stay in Taupo it will be somewhere similar.

[tim]

I have a wedding to shoot that weekend :(

[MattL]

*bump*

Sounds very.. interesting!

I will have to leave it untill way closer to the time to know my avail..

[Moppie]

Will be lots of fun I think, even if the Jousting is boring, theres lots else to see and do down there.

Heres a link to the Jousting details: http://www.jousting.co.nz/

[scotttnz]

I'm interested, I'll talk to the other half and let you know closer to the time.

[FlyingPete]

Hmmm I would be in but will be in recovery mode from shooting Parachute the weekend before!

[Wazza]

That's all good, I'll just use your gear. :D

I might email Parallel Imported tonight, but don't really know what to say. I'm not a pushy guy anymore, after being in front line customer service for 5 years. :rolleyes:

[Moppie]

, after being in front line customer service for 5 years. :rolleyes:


Iv done it for longer (nearly 10 years) and I know what I would be saying to them, and it would no longer be polite.
Being in CS just teachs you how better to handle other CS people, for example don't get angry with the people on the front line because they can't do anything, instead use them to get to the people higher up the ladder, and then have "polite" words with them.
If the company cares about its customers then they will do something, if they don't then you ring the commerce commission :)

[FlyingPete]

That's all good, I'll just use your gear. :D

I might email Parallel Imported tonight, but don't really know what to say. I'm not a pushy guy anymore, after being in front line customer service for 5 years. :rolleyes:

Sweet, if I haven't killed it as well!

[Moppie]

Hmmm I would be in but will be in recovery mode from shooting Parachute the weekend before!

3 days camping is pretty relaxing :)

[scotttnz]

3 days camping is pretty relaxing

Yeah, just thik of it as 3 relaxing days away camping, while listening to nice soft gospel music........actually I'm not sure which would be worse, what I have just described, or the real thing.

[Moppie]

You can listen to AC/DC in a Cabin then :)

[FlyingPete]

You can listen to AC/DC in a Cabin then :)

I can listen to what ever music I want too, I'm smart, I'm staying offsite! I also wear ear plugs, standing in front of a 20m stack of speakers driven by 50000 watts of amp doesn't do too well for the old hearing.

[Moppie]

I thought after doing it for several years would have found somewhere more comfrotable than a tent to stay in :)
50,000watts is a lot of Christianity! :D

[FlyingPete]

I thought after doing it for several years would have found somewhere more comfrotable than a tent to stay in :)
50,000watts is a lot of Christianity! :D

It is an interesting atmopshere, if you wandered in off the street, you would pick it for just another music festival, lots of music (mostly loud), people everywhere, food stands wtc, its not until you look deeper...

[Moppie]

I have a mate whos been going to them for years and says the same thing, especialy as its got more and more popular and drugs and alcahol started to make an appearance.
I don't know whats its like now, but he was most horrified one year to find people drinking and smoking pot.
But thats Rock n Roll :)


The Jousting will be a bit more civilised I think :)

[MattL]

I also wear ear plugs, standing in front of a 20m stack of speakers driven by 50000 watts of amp doesn't do too well for the old hearing.

tell me about it - thats what I do for a living :S

NZ Safety sells the ear plugs buy the box of 1000, so you dont need to wear the same sticky pair for the entire gig :P

[FlyingPete]

tell me about it - thats what I do for a living :S

NZ Safety sells the ear plugs buy the box of 1000, so you dont need to wear the same sticky pair for the entire gig :P

Ah that is what I was looking for, we need to supply them to the team as well. Even better if they have the ones on string!

[Moppie]

I have a box of the ones on a string at work, much better.

We get them from NZ Safety in Penrose, just north of the motorway on ramp on Gt South Rd.
But, theres also one in East Tamiki on Harris Rd.

[tim]

I might email Parallel Imported tonight, but don't really know what to say. I'm not a pushy guy anymore, after being in front line customer service for 5 years. :rolleyes:

Dude, want me to call them for you? I can be a real bastard...

PS sorry about your car being towed that time :p

[FlyingPete]

Dude, want me to call them for you? I can be a real bastard...

PS sorry about your car being towed that time :p

We could pen a letter or key an email, and somehow all sign it?

Something like:

To whom it may concern,
We are writing about the extreme displeasure of service recently received or not receiving concerning on a warranty return of a Canon EOS 20D belonging to one of our peers.

From our understanding little or no communication has been received after the return of the above camera body upon a shutter related failure causing the camera to become unstable. This camera is still under 12 months old and still under Canon’s warranty.

We are all members of a local Photographic club and between us frequently make purchases of new camera equipment. We are also well respected by our work colleagues and family as a good source of advice when making purchases. As a direct result of the lack of resolution to the above issue at least two purchases have ether been delayed of bought elsewhere (Canon EF70-200 f/2.8 and Sigma 50-500).

We would request that Parallel imported honor the warranty or at least provide an explanation of what the delay is. We believe that the Consumer Guarantees Act is quite clear on how the seller should behave in these situations; it would be a shame to have to take this issue to mediation.

Yours Sincerely
Blah Blah Blah….

Well that is my first shot, stretching the truth about the lenses though, I know Scott is having doubts about purchases from them, and I already had bought my 70-200 when this happened!

[tim]

Well i've had a few drinks, I would post what i'd say but Pekka or CDS might tell me off...

I doubt they care about our "influence", and I suspect the warranty they have is serviced in Japan. I bought my 300D and later my 20D from them, 20D had a dirty sensor that I couldn't clean and they replaced it with very little hastle. I'd buy from them again. Having said that when I got my other 20D I bought locally and NZ new.

[Wazza]

Heh, well my dad popped home for a bit this evening. Saw me depressed, and asked if it was my camera. Yeah. And had I heard anything back yet? Nope.

So he said, that's it.. What's their number, he's gonna get vocal.

He won't back down till he gets what he wants. He's always good at times like this, and helped me out with similar issues. But I agree, 4+ weeks is unaccceptable, and even a call to let me know how things are progressing.

Thanks all, for your concern. :)

[FlyingPete]

Well i've had a few drinks, I would post what i'd say but Pekka or CDS might tell me off...

I doubt they care about our "influence", and I suspect the warranty they have is serviced in Japan. I bought my 300D and later my 20D from them, 20D had a dirty sensor that I couldn't clean and they replaced it with very little hastle. I'd buy from them again. Having said that when I got my other 20D I bought locally and NZ new.

You are probably right. Although one thing I have learnt that if phone calls fail, then emails are ignored, try a real letter, it will get a response as their is a physical 'evidence' of the complaint, especially if you CC it to the 'governing body' Well it works for corporates, for some reason they can't ignore a letter. Works for banks and Telecom. Then again it may not work for these guys as it didn't work when I had issues with a certain large non-Telecom ISP based in Newton Road, but then they may have never seen a real letter before delivered by a real postie :rolleyes:

[FlyingPete]

Another random thought (as they seem to be quite common in GKPE posts :D ), perhaps we should have our own sub section on General , a bit like the 'Weddings' section under the 'Cornering the Pros' section (actually we should put our section in the pros section as well rather than the General section, as we are all pros ;) ).

My reasoning? This thread has only been posted tonight, and we have already covered the original theme (Jousting in Taupo), then moved on to Wazza's camera, then borrowing my gear to three relaxing day listen to gospel music to 50000 watts of music to the best place to buy ear plugs to Wazza's camera (again)!

[tim]

A subforum would be a bit much IMHO. I can provide a semi-private space for discussion if we want it, on one of my websites, but otherwise an active thread isn't really a problem, IMHO.

My ex-mod status is coming out again... delusions of grandeur.

[Moppie]

Its quite common on other forums when this sort of things happens for regional sub forums to be opened.

Im not a big fan of them as things are often discussed in them would be of benifit to all members.
And we havn't yet totaly taken over the whole general chat forum. Yet. :)

[Wazza]

Well what we have to do, is not be guilty of keeping 4 active topics on the forum open. Keep a general GKPE discussion open, where it's always photography related, whether it's where the next location is, or sharing some shots. But I think it's a bit unfair on the world members to have several threads open.

Time to pick an active thread ;)

[tim]

Its quite common on other forums when this sort of things happens for regional sub forums to be opened.

Im not a big fan of them as things are often discussed in them would be of benifit to all members.
And we havn't yet totaly taken over the whole general chat forum. Yet. :)

Sure... but how many regions are there in the world? If you have an NZ subforum every state in the US will want one.

[MattL]

going with the theme of OT posts (im with flyingpete here - a subforum would suit us quite well imho)

I pulled apart a fishing reel of mine today, it needed a good scrub out and re-grease etc etc.. The problem? Take a look at this : http://www.scottsbt.com/catalog/store/images/pennparts/schematics/320gt.pdf

thats the exploded diagram of it, about 60-million peices on my kitchen bench atm, and That diagram is prooving difficult to follow :S HELP!

[MattL]

Sure... but how many regions are there in the world? If you have an NZ subforum every state in the US will want one.

I think that its clear to us, and other forum members that we do have a 'larger-than-normal' flow of messages.

It would also make it easer to find info on past GKPE trips - they would all be there in the sub-forum.

[Wazza]

I still think it's unreasonable to be asking for our own subforum ;)

No one else has it, although I admit we do post some ramblings more than others. :p
(I just always feel too guilty in anything action I take.. Probably why I still don't have a 20D back in my hand :rolleyes: )


If you need to arrange some meetings, there's another new site,
http://www.newzealandphotographer.com/index.php

http://newzealandphotographer.com/index.php/topic,12.0.html

I'm sure we could get a couple more people along. :)

The admin of that site, does the nice photo blog on
http://www.vonnagy.com/

[MattL]

im not asking - i was saying it would suit us quite well :P

If we ramble too much in general they will probably give us one anyway.

[tim]

I'll PM someone...

[tim]

Someone has been PM'd... expect an almost immediate response ;)

So i'm considering coming up to Auckland Friday 27th, for a few days. Can we organise a bbq or something?

[Wazza]

I might be still full from last Saturday's BBQ. :p

[tim]

I might be still full from last Saturday's BBQ. :p

I wasn't asking you! Might be cool to cruise up and meet some people, plus I have other people to visit in Auckerland.

[Wazza]

I might travel up to Auckerland too. Maybe when you stop drinking, you can show the place on the map. We'd all be interested in seeing how tropical this Northland town is. :lol:

[tim]

Maybe when you stop drinking, you can show the place on the map. We'd all be interested in seeing how tropical this Northland town is. :lol:

You might be waiting a while... :p

[forsaken]

looks like a fairly simple task putting the reel back together MattL just make sure you fully recognise what washer you need and where :)

[Moppie]

I think that its clear to us, and other forum members that we do have a 'larger-than-normal' flow of messages.



Thats justs Tims posts, what about the rest of us? :lol: :lol:

[FlyingPete]

Thats justs Tims posts, what about the rest of us? :lol: :lol:

I think it is fair to say that as a group we have a reaonable 'presence'.

Perhaps we should ask for a GKPE General Rant sticky thread instead of a actual sub section, a more realistic option, probaly doesn't really have to be a sticky actually the rate we post :D

[tim]

Thats justs Tims posts, what about the rest of us? :lol: :lol:

Me? Post a lot? Never!

I'm considering a trip up to Auckland around the weekend of the 27th, would that be a good weekend to say hi to everyone?

[Wazza]

Some big news on 20D. Will have to share later, after it's all been settled.

[scotttnz]

Some big news on 20D. Will have to share later, after it's all been settled.

Oh come on, you can't leave us hanging like that!

[scotttnz]

Back to the jousting. I'm probably going to come along with my son. He keeps asking to go camping, and is into knights and things. Should be fun!

[Wazza]

I hope they're reading this now.

My dad's just come home, picked up the 20D box with other accessories and is heading down to them now.

The number of pointless calls, today.. Ahh. Bad customer service.

First started off by calling them at 9am this morning. They said something about shutter failed, invoiced $350 or something. ( was thinking, what's this invoice for, but really, sounds like that was on file, that's the charge for the overseas company to fix it etc)
And then they didn't really know where it was, or in what stage, and the guy was silent. Said he'll get back within 30min.

1 hour later, no response, so my dad phoned up again.

No idea still on camera, and they'll call back very shortly.

1 hour later again, he phones up, asks to speak to manager.. Manager is away tilll 2:30, but her name is Vanessa.

Phoned up again a bit later, is Vanessa available.. yeah she is, but just gone out for lunch. He found out she's been around all day, but some flinging around, and pretending there's no manager around to answer all the questions.

They also managed to figure out it is repaired, and they'll urgently get it back to me. My dad asked how long, at which point they said 1 1/2 weeks, as it's shipping internationally. Alright, that's not good enough. So that would be 6 weeks total, after already waiting 4 1/2 weeks now.

So he's on his way down there, asking again for a full refund, as I was never given the option, even though it was a serious fault of the camera, and under the CGA it's up to my choice whether I take a replacement, refund or full money back. They have now said it is UNDER warranty, so no charge, and with that, being a warranty claim and a Serious fault, of the camera not working, we'll use that to get full $$$ back. (if the manager, who's not there ;), to allow so)..
$2499 I paid.

*wonders what I could do with $2499.

[tim]

Under the CGA the repair/replace decision is based on whether it's a serious fault or not, and whether it can be repaired in a reasonable time. This looks like a grey area to me, if you try and challenge it to get a refund i'm sure you'll have some problems. 6 weeks total isn't reasonable, IMHO, and if it's 4 1/2 weeks plus another 6 that's definitely unreasonable.

http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/businessinfo/cga/goods.html#minor (note - this is written from the point of view of the business, not the consumer)

[Moppie]

You should have got your father to do that weeks ago Warren.
But, now you have learned from someone more experianced you know what to do next time :)

Good luck getting the refund, 6 weeks isnt totaly unreasonable, especialy considering the camera had to be shipped overseas first, and if I recall correctly Parrallel imported do mention it somewhere in the store, or on the sales docket.


Of course a $2499 equals a new 20D from a more reputable dealer now days :D

[tim]

That's what you get for buying from a parallel importer... also, i've found (the hard way) you usually get more done if you're nice than if you're not so nice...

[Moppie]

That's what you get for buying from a parallel importer... also, i've found (the hard way) you usually get more done if you're nice than if you're not so nice...


The trick is be nice to the right people, and "upset" with the right people.
If done properly you can get some good results :D

[Moppie]

Back to the jousting. I'm probably going to come along with my son. He keeps asking to go camping, and is into knights and things. Should be fun!

Cool, I saw him running around with his sword and shield on Saturday, he will love it!

[forsaken]

6 weeks isnt totaly unreasonable, especialy considering the camera had to be shipped overseas first,

6 weeks may no be unreasonable but the respose of their staff to the whole process is absolutely appalling.

Had similar issues with another major company a long while back and dad didn't seem to be getting anywhere with them, so a 10 year old me went in and demanded they sort it out or the would be appearing on fair go. Problem solved instantly and in my favour. Sometimes you just need to make the right noises.:cool:

[Wazza]

Under the CGA the repair/replace decision is based on whether it's a serious fault or not, and whether it can be repaired in a reasonable time. This looks like a grey area to me, if you try and challenge it to get a refund i'm sure you'll have some problems. 6 weeks total isn't reasonable, IMHO, and if it's 4 1/2 weeks plus another 6 that's definitely unreasonable.

http://www.consumeraffairs.govt.nz/businessinfo/cga/goods.html#minor (note - this is written from the point of view of the business, not the consumer)


Ok, I'm home, and found out some more info on the whole deal.

To me, the issue was not a minor, as also in other articles, "minor" details, that there's a small fault, but the goods are still useable. Such as ISO selection has stopped, or a button isn't working properly.
When the camera will not even turn on, get into any menus, and goes bananas on me, then that is a Serious issue.

Reasonable to me, knowing it was shutter failure, leads me to beleive 10-15 business days. It's been 17.. plus still no word, so to me it was crossing over to unreasonable time, and a total of 6 weeks, is more than 1/10th the time I've even had the camera. In that time, I would have easily amassed another 10,000 shots. I've missed so many opportunities now, but I've had to pretend I don't have a camera, and don't know anything about them.

So anyway, I've now found out it was being repaired locally at Canon NZ, as it was cheaper ($350 or so), - which to me isn't too bad at all. So if it broke after 12 months, that's what you have to pay guys! :)

The problem as you probably know, Canon are closed for 3 weeks over Christmas. Canon NZ received my camera on 15th December, and Canon state to all people, 15 days max for shutter repair. Well it's been 15 days, although they're closed. So really, they're stuck , unable to do anything.

The issue today with Parallel Imported was the bad customer service received from the lower people.

After my dad arrived at the repair manager, she was apologetic, and personally recommended to have the money fully refunded due to the running around today, and lies. The recommendation has to go the General Manager. Will know within 2 days.

So overall, although frustrated at waiting, I can understand the concern, but wish they had contacted me, as I asked, to find out if it was being repaired or whatever.

Had Canon NZ not been closed, I guess they would have had it back already, and really it's not a long wait. However, being a "Serious" fault, again comes back to the fact I could choose how to have the goods.

Basically, I know I can get a NZ New for $2399 now, with NZ warranty, and that sounds a lot more appealing than a overseas one..

I'm now waiting patiently for an outcome, and will have to decide on whether to buy a NZ new, or a 2nd hand one, or even a 2nd hand 300D, save some money, and use as a 2nd body, for a 25/40D in 2 months time.

[Moppie]

Im glad its been sorted Warren, your right about the very low standard of service recieved, I certianly would not have as patiant with them.

[joeseph]

Basically, I know I can get a NZ New for $2399 now, with NZ warranty, and that sounds a lot more appealing than a overseas one...

you can get a NZ new body with a NZ warranty for $2209 - see:
http://www.expressgroup.co.nz/shop/product-g67-CANEOS20D-CANON-EOS-20D-SLR-DIGITAL-CAMERA.htm

trust me, I've been checking...

[MattL]

Woohoo! Im off on holiday again. Heading up to Taupo bay tomorow, staying at my beautiful Alice's batch there, right smack bang in the middle of the beach.

Anyone need a good reason as to why I love going away with this girl?

http://www.alice.nzpages.net/images/CRW_7100-01%20(Medium).jpg

Maybe that explains it.

Anyway - ill be off the forums for a few days :P Perhaps with some new shots when I return.

[MattL]

Oh, and I pickup my fishing reel tomorow morning before I go - I gave up trying to put it back together and took it to the professionals who charged me $35 for a complete service, + parts if they needed replacing, and boy, they did. It came to $120 in the end, but boy it should be better than new now :-) Fishing, here I come :D

[tim]

Dude, if you're going away with her and need a fishing rod I think we better have a word... :p

[MattL]

heh. You have no idea....

[Moppie]

heh. You have no idea....


Remember we're all older and wiser than you are ;)

Have fun "fishing".

[tim]

Heh, I just talked to Canon about my camera. I sent it in to have the "battery low with grip" issue fixed just before xmas, I called yesterday and they said they'd email me a quote. Today they called back and said it was a manufacturing fault so it's free, and it's done already, so i'll have it back for my wedding on Saturday, handy!

[forsaken]

good to hear that 1 of you is getting your camera back, fingers crossed for wazza

[weka2000]

I notice no one is having any 5D errors :)

[Wazza]

Even the battery grip?


Still no word as yet, at lunch I checked with my dad, who said the repair manager had approved it herself, but had to get final approval from General Manager.

She even said she had gotten the accountant to write a cheque up, ready to be signed.

:mad:

[forsaken]

sounds so close and yet so far away

makes me not want to deal with them in the future, except for something small like a cf card. Always delt with them in the past all my kicker car audio was purchsed through them. :confused:

[tim]

Even the battery grip?

If you're talking to me, yes, everything was done under warranty.

[Wazza]

sounds so close and yet so far away

makes me not want to deal with them in the future, except for something small like a cf card. Always delt with them in the past all my kicker car audio was purchsed through them. :confused:

My uncle bought a 350D and received a 1Gb card.. It went broke, and couldn't save images.

My other uncle bought a 300D on first arrival to NZ from England in APril last year, and bought the 300D plus 1Gb card (same unknown brand). Both cards must have been in same batch. They died. The 1Gb card, had 10 days worth of travels up to Bay of Islands, family, New Zealand. Irreplaceable. That's why I went to the best. Only Lexar or SanDisk professional series. Reliability is #1

[Wazza]

If you're talking to me, yes, everything was done under warranty.

I was actually referring to the 5D grip, and no errors? As the 20D grip had lots.

Anyway, that's good to know. :)

[tim]

I was actually referring to the 5D grip, and no errors? As the 20D grip had lots.

Anyway, that's good to know. :)

Friend of mine has the 5D and grip and I haven't heard any complaints.

[Steve Parr]

You are of course all welcome to join us, it will be cheap accomdation, about $15-20 per person a night.

Wow, that's a great rate for accomodations!

Of course, the $2,500.00 or so I'd have to kick down for air fare might sting a little!

Would love to see some photos of this...

Steve

[Moppie]

Wow, that's a great rate for accomodations!



Thats actualy a little on the expensive side for a campsite here in NZ, but its a really well equiped camp site, nice showers, fish cleaning facilities, games room, TV, Pool, etc etc.

We will deffinitly get some good shots to show :)

[Wazza]

Camping, Kiwi style. BBQs for dinner, an evening swim, a bit of fishing, a few small walks taking pics.. Aww how great, hope I can make it.

Anyway, as this is the main GKPE talking point at the moment, thought I would share this post, in case fellow Kiwis miss it.

A new junior has joined the ever growing Kiwi POTN club
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=127650

[Wazza]

Re: My 20d

Well, on Tuesday, was explained that they'll contact us within 2 days, and confirm refund.
Yesterday, the Repair Manager said she's ok'd it, and got the accountant to write the cheque, and the General Manager will think it over.

So after another full day, no response. Yet they promised to be back in contact either late Wednesday or Thursday.

So in a few hours is Friday. What lies ahead? I hope a cheque for $2499, or I won't be very happy.

[Moppie]

Damn these guys really don't know the meaning of the words "customer service"
This times its your turn to give them a rev up and get your money back.

[Wazza]

Yeah, will have to wait till the morning.

Tomorrow is the 5 week anniversary of the death of my camera.
34 days and counting..

[Moppie]

Well get hold of them early, about 9am just after they have opened.
Then you can bug them for the whole day :)

[weka2000]

Time to ring the consumers people. Get them on the case.
We could all meet there on saterday with banners as customers go into the shop.

[tim]

Time to ring the consumers people. Get them on the case.
We could all meet there on saterday with banners as customers go into the shop.

Now that is an interesting idea! I'm still not convinced they're obliged to give you a refund, but they are obliged to put any problems right in a reasonable amout of time, and 5 weeks isn't reasonable.

[Wazza]

Well it's another week and a half before I can have my 20D back. So definately unreasonable. The only solution, after being stuffed around so much, false promises, and just bad service in my opinion is cash to get a camera elsewhere.

I'm sure if you also shot 6,500 shots a month on average, and only had 1 body, and had some very important shoots coming up VERY soon, you'd be thinking slightly different. ;)

[tim]

Make sure you have a camera you can borrow or rent, just in case.

[3DsArcher]

This makes for some scarey reading what your going through Wazza. It all sounds a little suspicious to me even allowing for christmas holiday breaks. Sounds like these people are telling you what they think you want to hear so that you will go away for the moment. Can these people tell you exactly where your camera is because it sounds like they may have actually lost it & they themselves dont know where it is. Perhaps I am just a naturally suspicious person but I deal with freight companies both locally & internationally & you wouldn't believe the BS these people try to feed you when they are so incompetent & really don't know what's going on or where something should be.

As for the jousting, this sounds rather interesting & I will try to get along to this because you don't see this sort of thing everyday.

[Moppie]

As for the jousting, this sounds rather interesting & I will try to get along to this because you don't see this sort of thing everyday.


Sweet, Amanda will be happy to know your coming.


I might have to try and get my fathers van, the offical POTN Bus, it should help save a bit of money on travel costs.

[tim]

I might have to try and get my fathers van, the offical POTN Bus, it should help save a bit of money on travel costs.

Take some photos of it loaded up... a bit of creative photoshopping and it could look quite cool!

[Moppie]

I know a couple of the guys have photos of it, I think Warren has some of Dunc, Pete and Scott shooting out the roof :)

[Wazza]

Well Parallel Imported have already said they stuffed up the repair number. It was double booked with another repair, and that's why when we asked about it on Tuesday, they were rather clueless for half the day. Why couldn't they just ask what camera it was, to confirm.

Well it wasn't me speaking, but my dad, but heard several different things.

My understanding is they chose to do Canon NZ as it's cheaper and quicker than shipping overseas. They quote max of 15 days to replace a shutter.
Canon NZ received camera 15th December, however they would have closed a few days later. I beleive they reopened this week on the 9th, and I'm guessing Parallel Imported is allowing the full 15 days which is another week and a bit away, plus shipping.

Yet, in another story, was told it was all finished and shipping, but told week and a half, which made me believe it was overseas.

So yeah, with all these different stories, in the space of a few hours, over different phone calls, makes me wonder. :rolleyes:

[iKirst]

Was this Parallel Imported in Albany?
Only way to deal with those folks is head into the store.
I had issues with my bluetooth headset after I bought it, got no joy on the phone on several occasions.. manager was always out (suure). I waltzed on in there and started making noise. Not loudly, but not so subtle that other customers didn't know what was going on. They sourced another headset and had it shipped to the North Shore store over night.

Vanessa wasn't the manager at the time though (March 05)

Because of their pathetic after sales service towards me, and a friend who had purchased a pricey head deck from them that failed, I chose to buy my Canon from Harvey Normans instead. Supply on the Canon 20D is apparently failing to meet demand. The Canon suppliers put NZ at the bottom of the list (her-say) Harvey Normans had two other buyers coming in the same night as I did, for one camera. I got in first. I had a 1 month wait on the speedlite, and a 3 month wait on one of the lenses (still waiting for it. Though, I heard today that it's landed in NZ, and I'm on the back order list)

I did a stint in CS for a courier firm a few years back, so I know it sucks to be the one blamed for other peoples lack of information and follow through of promises, resulting in angry customers taking out on the poor sucker on the end of the phone. But Parallel Imported have no excuse



On the jousting front, I would have slunk down on my own for a photo op, but a young friend will be flying back for his 21st from Police College. Gutted.

There's a Rodeo being held in Helensville this weekend, I'll be there instead :) I want my other lens!

[tim]

I bought my most recent 20D body from a camera store locally, everything else comes from B&H in New York. They don't seem to run of of gear often, but they're probably at the top of the list for everything given their massive volume.

[Wazza]

Well.

The verdict is in.

And it's not good for me.

iKirst: Yeah, the only way for them to listen was for my dad to drive in and talk face to face, where Vanessa was more understanding.
She also left a voice message on Tuesday evening on my dads work number saying "The cheque has been written out by the accountant, just needs to be signed"

Well, today I've found out, they're not refunding. Instead, as I beleived, they've been pestering Canon to hurry up, and to have it ready this morning and couriered it at 10am this morning, due by 2pm to my dads work.

Their arguement basically is it's only a minor fault.

Our arguement is that minor indicates a certain function of a product, such as delete button not working, but the camera is still useable.

In my case, being a camera which wouldn't even turn on, that's what makes it a more Major issue in my eyes.

Anyway, if they want to claim to be Minor, well 5 weeks isn't "acceptable time".

Well at least I can say I will have a camera back this evening.

And I for one, will never be shopping there again. I hope others are deterred. As I've said with Tony before. I would much rather spend an extra 5-10% and buy NZ new, as they're not even undercutting that much anymore.

And for the google bots:

Don't buy from Parallel Imported Albany
Parallel Imported are idiots
Parallel Imported are the worst traders
Parallel Imported sucks

:lol:

[iKirst]

And for the google bots:

Don't buy from Parallel Imported Albany
Parallel Imported are idiots
Parallel Imported are the worst traders
Parallel Imported sucks

:lol: Don't hold back! :lol:

Gutted it turned out as it did, Wazza. But I guess their number crunchers would rather keep the minor profit they made on the camera initially, than lose out on the sale completely.

Yours is the first camera I know of that's been an bad purchase, maybe you just drew the short straw? Sucks all the same. If it starts another episode of "when good cameras go bad", let me in on it. I like a good chance to be fiesty with useless companies :lol:

They have 1year warrenty packages though, don't they? Ignoring the blatent disregard for any actual emphasis they should put on creating customer loyalty, that's more than they offered a couple years ago. My 'other brand' camera only had a 3 month warrenty, and that's still putting along quite nicely. I should sell it, I don't miss using it.

The other advantage of buying NZ new from a reputable dealer is often the option of extended warrenties. I have a 3 year one with Harvey Normans. I could have gone for 5, but who knows, I may have the 1D by them (oh I laugh!)

Hey - it's well after 2 - do you have your Camera yet?

[FlyingPete]

Well.

The verdict is in.

And it's not good for me.

iKirst: Yeah, the only way for them to listen was for my dad to drive in and talk face to face, where Vanessa was more understanding.
She also left a voice message on Tuesday evening on my dads work number saying "The cheque has been written out by the accountant, just needs to be signed"

Well, today I've found out, they're not refunding. Instead, as I beleived, they've been pestering Canon to hurry up, and to have it ready this morning and couriered it at 10am this morning, due by 2pm to my dads work.

Their arguement basically is it's only a minor fault.

Our arguement is that minor indicates a certain function of a product, such as delete button not working, but the camera is still useable.

In my case, being a camera which wouldn't even turn on, that's what makes it a more Major issue in my eyes.

Anyway, if they want to claim to be Minor, well 5 weeks isn't "acceptable time".

Well at least I can say I will have a camera back this evening.

And I for one, will never be shopping there again. I hope others are deterred. As I've said with Tony before. I would much rather spend an extra 5-10% and buy NZ new, as they're not even undercutting that much anymore.

And for the google bots:

Don't buy from Parallel Imported Albany
Parallel Imported are idiots
Parallel Imported are the worst traders
Parallel Imported sucks

:lol:

What really sucks here is the amount of time they out right lied to you as a stalling tactic, I am suer if they had been straight up all along, you would have been at least a little happier.

It concerns me companies that have business practices like this, I have come across thsi dort of thing before. I for one will not be making and purchases from there anymore.

[tim]

Another bonus of buying locally: if the camera has to be repaired the place I bought will loan me another 20D while it's away, subject to availability. That's the main reason I bought locally.

Wazza, I think you had really bad luck with them, they got it wrong. In the end it doesn't much matter if they fix or repair the camera, so long as they do it pretty quickly now. They should be offering you a little something as compensation for all the hastle too, and to try to salvage their reputation.

[Wazza]

Also, some other points...

It all started to go wrong the day I purchased my camera.

I phoned them up, once I had $6,000 cash on me, ready to purchase gear, as Eftpos limit is $1500 a day at Westpac.

They said they have a 20D+18-55 and one left, so I said can I put my name on it, and I'll be right along.

I left my house in Henderson, arriving in Albany 30min later...

The guy's face was like.. ooaaahhh.

"You wouldn't beleive it, but just as I was on the phone to you, someone picked up the box and tried it out, liked it and bought it; sorry mate"

So I left extremely frustrated and angry.

10min after arriving home I get a phone call from them, "we have a 20D body only in our head office, and we can get someone to bring it across to Albany now if you like, and sorry for the troubles, we'll hook you up with a good deal"

Well the good deal... Wasn't that great.

They wouldn't move the price from $2499, and instead offered me a BP511 (not legit version), for $99. I had no idea what they were worth, so I said sure why not.
When I got home, I realised a Canon BP511 was about 120-140, and the copies, like Sterlingtek, or this one I got, were in fact under $40 normally!

Another thing, the Canon battery I did get with the 20D, in fact was only 1300mAh instead of 1500mAh. They gave me a blue back G6 battery instead. (someone here at forums noticed that at Western Springs)...

I guess it was never meant to be a good association with Parallel Imported.

I'm sticking to Auckland Camera in Morningside, who are fantastic, or B & H, as Tim said, they're good, and prices are damn cheap. Especially when I'm about to spend $5-6K there in the next few weeks ;)

I'm eyeing up:

Sigma 10-20
Canon 100mm macro (thanks Tim, for pointing out it's so cheap!)
Sigma 120-300 - my dream sports/aviation lens... Sharper that a knife.
Teleconverter 1.4
and maybe a few filters, and a BG-E2 or two.. ;)
Only $169USD...
I may buy surplus items, and resell in NZ.

[weka2000]

Well for what it worth wazza you will learn more from this than the cameras worth in your following years.

lemons into lemonade would be my advice.

Imagine those that brought homes only to discover that they would be involved in the "leaky homes" issues and they got very little come back as well.

My 20D is from Harvey Norman everything else is Auckland camera except my Bigma which I got via trademe from another kiwi.

Not everyone out there is as they advertise.

I think we need to oraganise a "wazza 20D welcome back party"

[Wazza]

I've organised that myself. I'm off to Piha tonight.

Whatipu tomorrow
and Bethells on Sunday.

[iKirst]

I think we need to oraganise a "wazza 20D welcome back party" An excuse of Ohhing and Ahhing at one mans toys, new or recently returned, is always fun :)

[Wazza]

Don't tell me you're another East Aucklander, Kirst. :p

I'm out West, in Henderson

[tim]

Not another Aucklander! ;) You have some great photos on your website Kirst, hope to see some more from you with your new camera.

I really have to get up to Occerland some time soon to meet you all!

[joeseph]

you're not been paying attention have you wazza. okay we'll let you off (distracted somewhat)

p.s. your signature needs editing again...

[Wazza]

Haha, do I read messages? Usually. Depends if I'm thinking about a broken camera or not.

Anyway, I updated my signature an hour ago. :p

Soon to add in

85mm 1.8
10-20
Sigma 120-300
BG-E2

:cool:

[FlyingPete]

Another thing, the Canon battery I did get with the 20D, in fact was only 1300mAh instead of 1500mAh. They gave me a blue back G6 battery instead. (someone here at forums noticed that at Western Springs)...

Yes I remember that now...

[Wazza]

Sorry, I had it wrong.

Mine is in fact a 1100mAh instead of standard 1300.. The better cheap brands are 1500+

[tim]

I wonder how much difference there is between batteries with different MaH ratings. I've read that some high ratings are just because of different testing methodologies.

[Wazza]

Really there's so many variables, you can't get an accurate figure. I'm just happy the 20D can shoot 700-1500 shots each time.

[tim]

That's why I sent my 20D in for repair - it reported low battery about half way through a wedding, at maybe 400-500 shots. It wasn't worth the risk of running out of batteries half way thru a wedding.

[Wazza]

Yep, definately can't take that risk against shooting weddings.

[tim]

"Sorry, can you just wait a minute to throw the boquet while I change my batteries?"

Yeah right!

[scotttnz]

Hey.....when did this POTN Member Activities secion appear? Another section for us Kiwi's to take over!

So Wazza, have you actually got your camera back? and is it all working OK? Did they offer anything for your troubles?

I have to say your experiences have really put me off buying anything off them now. Their prices are not cheap enough to make me want to risk something like this happening to me!

[iKirst]

Don't tell me you're another East Aucklander, Kirst. :p

I'm out West, in Henderson East? Nooo.
Albanian - Shore born and bred and stuff ;)


I knew you were a bogan (hehe), after mentioning driving to Parallel Albany

Not another Aucklander! ;) You have some great photos on your website Kirst, hope to see some more from you with your new camera.

I really have to get up to Occerland some time soon to meet you all! Sorry, I'll pretend I'm from Inglewood or something :lol:

Thanks for the welcome-age Tim :) And for the compliment of my obvious beginner shots in the land of photography

[Wazza]

Beginner shots? Haha. Everyone says that, but they're rather good.

Are you going to the Sunday drags? I may go if I can coax my sister and her bf to go along, and give me petrol money. :p

They wanted me to go down last week for the import vs v8, but couldn't be bothered without a camera.

[Wazza]

Hey.....when did this POTN Member Activities secion appear? Another section for us Kiwi's to take over!

So Wazza, have you actually got your camera back? and is it all working OK? Did they offer anything for your troubles?

I have to say your experiences have really put me off buying anything off them now. Their prices are not cheap enough to make me want to risk something like this happening to me!

Nope. They offered nothing. They fully know I'm going to buy a 30/50D as soon as it comes out, and they didn't even offer that. Also said a couple of forum members were about to purchase 70-200 2.8 and 50-500 Bigma, and they're rather put off now, and won't be buying those.

I've said this before. They really don't cut prices much.
They're marginally cheaper now, and the risk involved his huge, or the wait if it needs to be shipped overseas.

Buying Parallel Imported would really be similar to buying from B & H, like it's overseas, but really B & H is cheaper, and the service would be top notch.

[forsaken]

good to hear you got it back though, enjoy

[joeseph]

Buying Parallel Imported would really be similar to buying from B & H, like it's overseas, but really B & H is cheaper, and the service would be top notch.

almost. From what I understand, buying a lens from B&H would mean you get a worldwide warranty - that Canon NZ would honour.
Buying a lens from parallel, well....

[tim]

Canon lenses have international warranties, I've had a 50mm F1.8 serviced for free in NZ. Bodies do not have an international warranty.

[Wazza]

Considering I'm about to throw down US$4000 on mostly Sigma lens, are they also accepted as worldwide warranty?

I see some are US New, and some are "Imported", would one of them not be accepted

[tim]

I looked at the B&H website, in the "item includes" page it says "1-Year Worldwide Warranty + 3-Year Extended USA Warranty".

[Wazza]

Sweet, don't forget you have a wedding to shoot. I'll cu soon

[tim]

Yes, I remember the wedding! It went pretty well... but in the next hour looking at the photos i'll see how well it really went!

[Wazza]

Cool.

Well I've posted my 2 shots of Kitekite falls in Travel and Landscapes... A bit crooked, but couldn't be bothered fixing that.

[scotttnz]

Thought it might be time to revivr this thread since it is only a week away. So Who is coming?

Moppie,

I think I might take my own vehicle. Gives more flexability. I will have 2 spare seats if anybody else wants to fill them. I'll see if I can borrow Pete's walky talkies for inter car communications.

[Moppie]

Sweet, Ill still be taking the GKPE Van, but also have 2 spare seats.

I think Scott you and I are the only two POTN'ers going so far.


We will be staying at the Holdens Bays Holiday Park: http://www.holdensbay.co.nz/index.htm which has really good facilties at a pretty good price.
I have a spare 4 man tent and Air bed that I will take, and I also have a space 2 man tent that I will take if any body wants to use it.


The Jousting is occuring over the saturday and sunday so it would be nice to get down there on Friday Night to have an easy Satuday, otherwise it will be an early Saturday morning start and go straight to Taupo.

[iKirst]

There's a huge possibility I may come down for the day, or even a one nighter with another POTN member in tow. 2 of them if I ask, hehe

[Moppie]

It sounds like you could get a couple of them to follow you any where ;)


Any need of a second tent then?

[Wazza]

Well that would be forsaken, wouldn't it. ;)

[scotttnz]

We will be staying at the Holdens Bays Holiday Park

Do we need to book or can we just turn up?

I have a spare 4 man tent and Air bed that I will take

Cool, can borrow the air bed?

[iKirst]

Well that would be forsaken, wouldn't it. ;)
Nah ;), Little EOS, and Mr Sony (If I manage to grab that off my mate)

[Moppie]

Cool, can borrow the air bed?

Done.


You shouldn't need to book, I was there for new years and there were lots of spare tent sites, but the cabins etc were all booked out.
There will be room for a tent near the caravan anyway.

[FlyingPete]

Found some jousting down here, on Unicycles!
http://www.flyingpete.nzpages.net/POTN/Joust02.jpg

The rest can be found here:
http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1133172#post1133172

[Moppie]

ROFLOL!

Nice shot, looks like it could hurt.

Hows it going down there? I hope it hasn' rained to much.

[scotttnz]

Sweet, Ill still be taking the GKPE Van, but also have 2 spare seats.

Are those seats still spare? I blew up my car over the weekend, so might need to hitch a ride.

[Moppie]

Oh mate!
Yeah, theres still two spare seats.

Let me guess the secondary turbo went pop?

[scotttnz]

Let me guess the secondary turbo went pop?

No nothing too serious. Just a burst water pipe somewhere, somewhere around the intercooler area I think. I noticed before I cooked the engine, so hopefully no major damage. I might have it done before the weekend. We will see.

[scotttnz]

Moppie, what time do you ant to leave?

[Moppie]

Ok, the Bus will be leaving Auck around 6ish, Ill give you another call to confirm exact time Scott.

If anyone else wants to come down at any stage don't be afraid to give me a call, and Ill let you know where we are. voda 117 2321 or telecum 816 480
I think only Kiwis should be able to work out those numbers, and if someone undeseriable decieds to harass me with them I can just get them blocked :)

[iKirst]

Better watch it, Tim might report you. :p

[tim]

Haha, no harm posting phone numbers.

[joeseph]

Haha, no harm posting phone numbers.

unless it's yours eh? :-P

[tim]

unless it's yours eh? :-P

I'd not tend to post my own phone number, no.

[forsaken]

I'll have to pass on this outing, still not 100% and aslo have to help a friend strip his new drifter and then another friend wants photos done for his works website, the bugger better pay this time :(

[Moppie]

Well the bus is leaving shortly, collecting scott then a friend of amands and we will be there tonight.

Have fun stripping Si ;)

[Wazza]

Kirst and myself will be down sometime tomorrow afternoon I would guess. Either a afternoon/evening trip, maybe a sunset, and a camp out for a night, or even come back. Not sure, but happy to catch up with you all in the afternoon. (hope you don't mind, Kirst? :p)

[forsaken]

so how did the weekend go? any good shots?

[Moppie]

Got back about an hour ago, after taking the Van back to its home in the country.

Was a really great weekend, but very tiring.

I might have some photos up this evening, or I might fall asleep on the keyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

[Wazza]

Cool stuff. Kirst and I arrived back at 8:20pm last night, and just after all her mates turned up, including Simon. :lol: Talk about making an already tiring day, more worse. :p

Had great fun, and seems I have a few great shots to share when I have a chance, ;)

[Wazza]

http://wazza.nfscity.com/20d/kirst.jpg

[dgcorner]

Warren, welcom back & nice pic! The falcon must have been munching on a tasy morsel...

Moppie, we're waiting!!! ;-)

Cheers!

[joeseph]

looks like TV1 are having a story on the jousting on close up at 7pm...

great pic Warren, how did the birdy react to the fill flash?

[Moppie]

Moppie, we're waiting!!! ;-)



450 photos to sort through and process :o

This may take a little while.

[scotttnz]

My first ones from the weekend are here:

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1160359#post1160359
http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1160392#post1160392

And for those inclined to indulge in a little gossip....

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=135689

[FlyingPete]

450 photos to sort through and process :o

This may take a little while.

Man I know that feeling, I shot 3850 at Parachute, and still sorting my final collection for submission :oops: